Ida Jane Curfman, 86, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 14, 2022. She was born on August 22, 1936, in Ghent, West Virginia to the late Albert Draper Young and Ida Irene Griffith Young.
Ida Jane was the youngest of seven children: Henry Albert Young, Alvin Raymond Young, Robert Vernon Young, Betty Louise Wills, Howard Daniel Young, and Billie Ross Young. At a young age, her family relocated to Norfolk during World War II.
Seeing her brothers go off to war, Ida Jane became a resourceful, resilient, and independent woman. After growing up in Broad Creek Village, she moved to Princess Anne County (now, Virginia Beach) and became very popular. She was a cheerleader at Kempsville High School and state debating champion. Ida Jane met the love of her life Robert Lee Curfman, Jr. (Bobby) in church and they were married in 1956.
The two moved to Blacksburg, Virginia where she worked as the secretary to the Dean of Industrial Engineering at Virginia Tech, helping to put Bobby through college. Her unmatched typing, shorthand, and dictation skills, along with her delightful personality made her beloved among professors and students. She loved academia and learning, taking classes in her free time and earning straight A’s.
After Bobby graduated, they moved to Alexandria; but, they quickly moved back to Virginia Beach to start their family. They were active members at Bayside Baptist Church for over 60 years. After the kids grew, she worked as the secretary to the Dean of the Law School at Regent University. Again, her many gifts and talents made her an indispensable asset to the university, and she earned several awards for her hard work.
Ida Jane was most proud of her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was full of energy and loved her family without limits. She attended every game, recital, and family event she could—and there were countless numbers. Even though she was petite in stature, her bright white hair and huge smile were instantly identifiable from any field or stage. She was also an excellent, and unexplainably fast cook, whipping up delicious meals for family and friends in what seemed like a few seconds. The Sunday dinners she prepared for her large family seemed effortless and were a highlight of each week. She was also an excellent seamstress and enjoyed making clothes for her children and then doll clothes for her grandchildren.
It was clear to all that knew her that Ida Jane loved the Lord. Her favorite book was the Bible. Constantly studying scripture and praying, she was unshakable in her faith. She weathered every storm with a peace that surpassed all understanding. She also enjoyed sharing God’s Word and His truths, having taught Sunday school classes at Bayside Baptist Church for over 55 years. She was forever an optimist, knowing it was all in God’s Sovereign Hands, and always offering encouraging and positive words. She had a love for people that was impossible not to feel when you met her. And when you spoke with her, you always left feeling better than before. She will be missed dearly.
Ida Jane is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert Lee Curfman, Jr, and by her three children Robert David Curfman and wife Lori, Carole Jane Joslin and husband Mike, and Christopher Lee Curfman and wife Melissa.
She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren Adam Curfman and wife Liz, Abbie Garrett and husband Alex, Anna Hansen and husband Garrett, Daniel Joslin and wife Kendall, Ben Joslin and wife Kara, Christine Triplett and husband Hunter, Jonathan Joslin, Zachary Curfman, Brianna Curfman, and Gabrielle Curfman.
She is also survived by her 8 great-grandchildren Rylee and Brynn Joslin, Rori, Marli, and Andi Triplett, Rhett and Grayson Hansen and Hayden Powers.
A visitation will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 5-7 pm at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach VA 23462. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 11 am at Bayside Baptist Church, 1920 Pleasure House Rd., Virginia Beach VA 23455. A graveside committal will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park followed by a reception at the church will follow. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kellumfuneralhome.com for the Curfman family.
